The Covid-19 effect on medical students’ perceptions of their profession: A mixed methods study from South India

Covid-19 has devastated human lives and stretched the limits of the medical profession and health systems. Using the mixed methods of online survey and online focus group discussions, we assessed how medical students and interns of two medical colleges in South India viewed the profession they had chosen. Of the 900 participants, 571(63.4%) had a positive perception of the medical profession, 77(8.6%) a negative perception and 252(28%) were undecided. The year of study in medical school was significantly associated with their perception of the medical profession, with interns more likely to have a negative perception (p<0.001). An overwhelming 823(91.4%) participants remained confident of their career choice, but a higher proportion of interns were less confident or regretful about their choice of profession compared to first to fourth year students (p<0.001). Most participants experienced moral distress; they acknowledged a duty to care but were troubled by personal risk, inadequate protection, and limited resources. Gaps were identified in medical and ethics training particularly regarding uncertainties and coping with deficiencies of the health system as encountered in the pandemic. The essential role played by doctors with its required competence, care and ethics cannot be assumed or expected without investment in the making of the future doctor through more socially embedded medical education imparting the skills of understanding the public, responding to them and being the advocate for their equitable and optimal care. An ethics of responsiveness emerges as important for healthcare, also for medical education in preparation for future health crises.

Histopathological study of prostatic lesions in correlation with serum prostate specific antigen levels in elderly men

Background: Prostatic lesions are common among elderly men with urinary complaints. Variety of prostatic lesions range from inflammatory, benign to malignant pathologies. The Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is secreted by glandular epithelium of prostate shows raised serum levels in these pathologies. Usually significant rise is commonly associated with Prostatic adenocarcinomas (PCa) with exceptions.Methods: In this retrospective study, total 63 diagnosed cases of prostatic lesions over a one-year period for which serum PSA levels were available, were selected. Cases without serum PSA levels & inadequate biopsies were excluded. Histological diagnosis of prostatic lesions reconfirmed and its correlation with serum PSA was done.Results: Study included patients with mean age 67.84 years (range: 48-60) at the time of diagnosis. Benign lesions were commonest prostatic lesions accounting for total 54 cases (85.71%) out of which 38 were of Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 14 cases of BPH with prostatitis while single case each for BPH with granulomatous prostatitis and basal cell hyperplasia. Mean PSA value for benign lesions was 6.57 ng/ml. Total 8 were malignant which included 7 (11.11%) PCa while single (1.59%) case of metastatic transitional cell carcinoma. Mean PSA for PCa were 35.05 ng/ml. Single case (1.59%) of high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia also detected.Conclusion: Common age group at the time of presentation of prostatic pathologies is 60-70 years. The most common prostatic lesions are benign predominantly BPH. PCa are commonest malignancies. Elevated PSA levels >20 ng/ml are commonly observed in PCa. However lower or normal values don’t rule out PCa.

Amlodipine alters hemorheological parameters: Increased efficacy at the cost of edema?

Background Despite several decades of use of calcium channel blockers, the side effect of edema persists as a class effect, and its mechanism is unresolved. Amlodipine has effects on hemorheology (HR), and its hemodilutory property may partly contribute to its antihypertensive action. This aspect is not well studied, and the literature is sparse in this regard. Objective This experiment was planned to determine effect of a single-dose administration of amlodipine on HR parameters in normal human volunteers. Methods and results Amlodipine (5 mg) or S (-) amlodipine (2.5 mg) was administered to 27 normal human volunteers. Whole-blood viscosity (WBV) at different shear rates, plasma viscosity (PV), red cell rigidity (RCR), red cell aggregation (RCA), hematocrit (Hct), plasma hemoglobin, along with plasma drug concentration were determined at time intervals, t = 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h. Statistically significant reductions were observed at tmax = 4 h in WBV at shear rates of 0.512 s–1 (p < 0.005), WBV at shear rates of 5.26 s–1 (p < 0.01), PV (p < 0.05), and Hct (p < 0.01). At t = 8 h, as drug concentration reduced, some of the changes persisted and later slowly decreased with the decreasing drug concentration till t = 24 h. Red blood cell–related parameters such as RCA and RCR remained unaltered. WBV values at all shear rates, when corrected for Hct = 0.45, did not show deviation from their original values at any time. Conclusions Amlodipine causes a reduction in Hct and blood viscosity, along with hemodilution. These effects persist as long as the drug remains in plasma. Edema resulting from chronic dosing may be explained by the aforementioned effects. It is possible that antihypertensive action of the drug may be due to a combination of vasodilatation and an improvement in the HR properties.

Prevalence Of Hepatitis B And HIV And Their Co-infection In Female Sex Workers In Nagpur Region.

Background and Aim: The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), have common modes of transmission. Globally, sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are the highest among population subgroups such as sex workers. Objective is to - (i) Study of Hepatitis B infections and HIV infection in female sex workers (ii) Co-infection rate of HBV and HIV among this population (iii) Simultaneous comparision of infection HBV and HIV infection in healthy female population(blood donar). Methodology: This study was conducted in the department of microbiology IGGMC Nagpur from October 2014 to August 2015. Their sera were tested for the HBsAg and HIV antibodies. Results: A total 400 samples were tested (200 samples of female sex workers and 200 samples of healthy female blood donors. The seropositivity of HBV in FSWs is 1.5% and of HIV is 2%, none of FSWs were coinfected with both the infections. That of healthy female donors HBV prevalence is 0.5% and HIV is also 0.5% similarly none were coinfected with both the infections. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis-B virus infection and HIV infection is low among the female sex workers in Nagpur region. Similarly prevalence in healthy female population is also low. Targeted intervention among the risk group is effective measure in decreasing the hepatitis B infection rate.

“Science means learning to say—I don’t know”: An interview with Dr. Ashok D.B. Vaidya.

Dr. Ashok D.B. Vaidya, the stalwart in the fields of Experimental Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Reverse Pharmacology turns 75 on Nov, 27, 2011. A former Clinical Research Head of CIBA Geigy Research Centre, his name has been synonymous with the concept of the Golden Triangle for resurgence of Ayurveda and its reinterpretation in modern scientific terms. At a time when most fields are populated by intellectual dwarfs and unethical operators, he stands like a giant—a scientist, a philosopher, and an ardent fighter for ethical values. In this free-wheeling interview with Ravindra R.Pandharinath, he discusses the milestones in his life, his inspirations, and dreams for the confluence of modern science, modern medicine, and Ayurveda as the new health care model for the 21st century

PHACE/S syndrome: A syndromic infantile segmental hemangioma.

PHACES syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder characterized by posterior fossa brain malformations, hemangiomas, cardiac anomalies and coarctation of aorta, eye anomalies ± sternal clefts. All reported cases are sporadic and notably common in females. The underlying cause is unknown. Here is described, one of the twin baby with characteristic features of PHACE syndrome. The presence of large segmental hemangioma, especially on face should prompt the primary care provider to act early, to prevent complications related to facial hemangiomas and other associated anomalies.

Optic nerve sheath decompression for visual loss in intracranial hypertension: Report from a tertiary care center in South India.

Aim: Severe visual loss is the only serious complication of intracranial hypertension secondary to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and some cases of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Optic nerve sheath decompression (ONSD) has been shown to improve or stabilize visual function in patients with IIH, while its role in CVT is yet to be established. We report our experience with optic nerve sheath decompression for visual loss in IIH and CVT. Materials and Methods: In this prospective noncomparative, interventional study, 41 eyes of 21 patients with IIH and CVT and visual loss underwent ONSD. The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual fields, pupillary light reflex, optic nerve sheath diameter on B-scan and resolution of papilledema which were evaluated preoperatively and at follow-up at four days, two weeks, one month, three months and final follow-up. In 7/41 eyes with absent light perception preoperatively, the functional outcome was analyzed separately. Results: Following ONSD BCVA and visual fields stabilized or improved in 32/34 (94%) eyes. Statistically significant improvement in BCVA, visual fields and pupillary light reflex occurred over the three month follow-up period. Surgical success was indicated by reduction in optic nerve diameter and papilledema resolution occurred in all patients. The outcome in the IIH and CVT groups was comparable. Four eyes with absent light perception showed marginal improvement in visual acuity. Four eyes had transient benign complications. Conclusion: Optic nerve sheath decompression is an effective and safe procedure to improve or stabilize vision in patients with visual loss caused by IIH and CVT.

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. A retrospective analysis of clinical features and treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The conventional management of rhino-orbito-cerebral (ROC) mucormycosis includes control of metabolic abnormality, administration of amphotericin B and surgery that spans simple sinus clearance, radical debridement and orbital exenteration. Recent literature includes anecdotal descriptions of successful treatment with conservative management of involved orbits. We evaluated the clinical features and outcome of treatment for the different stages of ROC mucormycosis. METHOD: In this retrospective case series, 34 case records of patients with a histopathological diagnosis of ROC mucormycosis treated between 1992 and 2000 were reviewed. Three clinical stages and three treatment groups were identified. Patients with limited sino-nasal disease (Clinical stage I) underwent sino-nasal debridement (Treatment group A). Patients with limited rhino-orbital disease (Clinical stage II) underwent either sino-nasal debridement alone (Treatment group A) or orbital exenteration in addition to sino-nasal debridement (Treatment group B). Patients with rhino-orbito-cerebral disease (Clinical stage III) did not undergo any surgical procedure (Treatment group C). Thirty-three patients received intravenous amphotericin B. Outcome for each group was measured as "Treatment success" (disease free, stable patient with metabolic abnormality under control) and "Treatment failure" (progression of disease with worsening general condition or mortality due to the disease). RESULTS: Uncontrolled diabetes in 30 (88.2%) of 34 patients was the commonest underlying disease and 16 (53.3%) of 30 diabetics had ketoacidosis. Chronic renal failure (n = 4), hepatic disease (n = 3) and idiopathic thrombocytopenia (n = 1) were the other underlying diseases. Eleven patients had stage I disease, 16 patients had stage II disease and seven patients had stage III disease. All 11 patients with stage I disease received treatment A; of 16 patients with stage II disease, 7 received treatment A and the remaining with stage III disease received treatment B; 7 patients with stage II disease received treatment C. Ten of 11 patients (91%) with stage I disease had treatment success. In patients with stage II disease, 7 of 7 (100%) with treatment A and 1 of 9 (11.1%) with treatment B had treatment success. All seven patients with stage III disease had treatment failure. CONCLUSION: Debridement of the sinuses is necessary in all cases of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. Diagnosis in the early stage needs a high degree of suspicion. There is a definite role for retention of orbits in patients whose metabolic derangement is rapidly controlled and orbital involvement is non-progressive.

Efficacy and safety of the first parenteral selective COX-2 inhibitor, parecoxib sodium, in adult patients with postoperative pain.

Parecoxib, a prodrug of valdecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, has been recently introduced for the treatment of moderate to severe postoperative pain. This prospective, open, multicentric study enrolled 260 patients undergoing orthopaedic, gynaecological, dental and general surgery. Postoperatively, patients were treated with parecoxib, 40 mg IM/IV. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean pain intensity score (p<0.05). At the end of 24 hours, 89.6% of total cases had a very good to total relief of pain. The mean duration of analgesia was 19.26 hours and mean time of onset of analgesia was 16.25 minutes ranging from 11-20 minutes. The laboratory values were within normal limits. The drug was well tolerated. There was no report of any hypersensitivity reaction. This study suggests that parecoxib, in a dose of 40 mg IM/IV, is an effective and safe option for the management of postoperative pain.